Who presided over the Third Buddhist Council patronised by Emperor Ashoka?
Correct Answer: Moggaliputta Tissa
Subject: history
- Mahakasyapa
- Sabakami
- Moggaliputta Tissa
- Vasumitra
Explanation: • Moggaliputta Tissa presided over the 3rd Council at Pataliputra (~250 BC)
• It purified the Sangha by expelling heretical monks
• Abhidhamma Pitaka was added — completing the Tripitaka (Three Baskets)
• Missionaries were sent to 9 regions including Sri Lanka (Mahendra & Sanghamitra)
• Mahakasyapa — 1st Council; Sabakami — 2nd Council; Vasumitra — 4th Council